Reprogramming To Optimize ECM For Improved Battery Life (11-176-17)

Publication date: 2017-11-16
Reference number: 11-176-17

REPROGRAMMING TO OPTIMIZE ECM FOR IMPROVED BATTERY LIFE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 11-176-17, Date of Issue: 11/16/17

SUBARU:

2015-16 Legacy and Outback

APPLICABILITY

2015-16MY Legacy and Outback

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM for control of battery charging functions. Depending on vehicle use conditions, the battery state of charge value may differ slightly from the actual value. The new logic will enhance charging system control and result in improved battery life.

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION

The new logic was incorporated at the start of 2017MY vehicle production.

PACK FILE APPLICABILITY

Model	PAK File Name	New ECM Part Number	Old ECM Part Numbers	Decryption Keyword	New CID Number
2015MY LEGACY / OUTBACK 2.5L FED SPEC.	22765AF35F.pak	22765AF35F	22765AF35A, 35B, 35C, 35D & 35E	81045551	EB4GA02B
2015MY LEGACY / OUTBACK 2.5L CAL SPEC.	22765AF36F.pak	22765AF36F	22765AF36A, 36B, 36C, 36D & 36E	125D1DDC	EB4GA02C
2015MY LEGACY / OUTBACK 3.6L FED SPEC.	22765AF45D.pak	22765AF45D	22765AF45A, 45B & 45C	FEB8E52F	DB4GA01D
2016MY LEGACY / OUTBACK 2.5L FED SPEC.	22765AJ14C.pak	22765AJ14C	22765AJ14A & 14B	63801358	EB4I312C
2016MY LEGACY / OUTBACK 2.5L CAL SPEC.	22765AJ15C.pak	22765AJ15C	22765AJ15A & 15B	91C57C1D	EB4I312B
2016MY LEGACY / OUTBACK 3.6L FED SPEC.	22765AJ17B.pak	22765AJ17B	22765AJ17A	61949565	DB4I311D

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Reprogram the ECM following the normal FlashWrite procedure.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) highly recommends connecting the Subaru Midtronics GR8 Diagnostic Battery Charger to the vehicle and utilizing the Power Supply Mode feature anytime a vehicle control module is being reprogrammed. Follow the procedure as outlined in document GR8-1100 on STIS for use of the GR8's Power Supply Mode:

Confirm all electrical loads such as lights, audio, HVAC, seat heaters, and rear defroster are all switched OFF before setting up for Power Supply Mode.
Select the correct battery type (Flooded, AGM or AGM Spiral).
Select the CCA which matches the vehicle's battery (
NOTE: OE and replacement batteries have different CCA ratings. Always confirm the battery rating before proceeding.)
If the "Charge Battery" WARNING appears, the battery MUST be charged before attempting reprogramming.
DO NOT connect the DSTi or SDI until the GR8 Power Supply mode has completed its battery test mode and the Charging Voltage has dropped to a steady 13.5 Volts on the display.
If the GR8 "beeps" or the Status Light flashes, a diagnostic charge should be performed on the battery before proceeding further.
Once Power Supply Mode reaches a steady 13.5 volts, connect the DSTi or SDI to the OBD connector and initiate the reprogramming process.
Amperage will fluctuate based upon the vehicle's demand for power.
NOTE: If the voltage rises beyond 14V while programming is in process, the procedure will abort. This can indicate a need to test or charge the vehicle battery before any further attempt at programming.

IMPORTANT: This information is applicable to the Midtronics GR8 Diagnostic Battery Charger ONLY . It does not apply to any other brand / type of "generic" battery charger whatsoever. ONLY the GR8 and its Power Supply Mode feature has been tested and approved by SOA.

Once the GR8 is connected to the vehicle, as long as the battery is fully charged , it takes less than 3 minutes to boot-up the charger, select Power Supply Mode, and have the battery voltage stabilized and ready for reprogramming.

REMINDER: If the GR8 indicates the vehicle's battery must be charged, charge the battery using the GR8 before proceeding to reprogram the vehicle.

NOTE: Control module failures as a result of battery discharge during reprogramming are not a matter for warranty. Should any DTCs reset after the reprogramming update is performed, diagnose per the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited, an applicable Emission Warranty period or covered by an active Subaru Added Security Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using the following claim information:

Labor Description	Labor Operation #	Fail Code	Labor Time
MFI OBDII ECM Reprogramming	A455-288	UPG-48	0.4

IMPORTANT: Always note the original Calibration Identification number (CID) the vehicle came in with on the repair order before reprogramming and, make sure to list the NEW CID for any newly-installed programming (as confirmed from the actual control module AFTER installation). The NEW CID MUST also be noted on the repair order as this information is required for entry in the Miscellaneous Detail field during claim submission.

NOTE: The pack file listings provided in this bulletin are the latest available at the time of publishing. Updates are often released thereafter without revision to the original bulletin. For this reason, it is critical to always have the latest version of Select Monitor software installed on your system. You can confirm if a later version is available by entering the CID listed in this bulletin into FlashWrite. If a newer CID is shown as available in FlashWrite, reprogram using that file.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.
Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.
Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.